The Kaua‘i School of T’ai Chi Chuan is giving free introductory classes and demonstrations in each location where a new class series (beginning level) is scheduled. Dr. Alton Kanter and Janey Kanter, professional teachers of T’ai Chi Chuan, will instruct.
The Kaua‘i School of T’ai Chi Chuan is giving free introductory classes and demonstrations in each location where a new class series (beginning level) is scheduled. Dr. Alton Kanter and Janey Kanter, professional teachers of T’ai Chi Chuan, will instruct. As founders (1989) of the Kaua’i School of T’ai Chi Chuan, they have been students themselves for over 33 years and have taught as a team since 1980.
The Kaua‘i School is an affiliate of the New York School of T’ai Chi Chuan, an international training center for T’ai Chi teachers that maintains facilities in eight locations around the world.
On Thursday, June 21, starting at 5 p.m. at Kula Elementary School in Kilauea, the free class will introduce, by way of a demonstration class, the Yang-style short form of T’ai Chi, Dr. Alton Kanter said. A 12-class series will begin the following week, Thursday, June 28, at the same time and place.
On Saturday morning at 8 a.m., June 23, a similar free introductory program of the Yang Style Short Form of T’ai Chi will be held at the Lihu‘e United Church Parish Hall behind the King Auto Center in Lihu‘e. A 12-class series will begin the following week, June 30, at the same time and place.
The public is invited to attend both free demonstration classes. The Kanters emphasized that these are classes for beginners and are suitable for persons of all levels of fitness and are not competitive.
Dr. Kanter advised that while T’ai Chi Chuan is “one of the great series of Asian martial arts, the emphasis of these classes is on the health aspects of the study.”
T’ai Chi is an integral part of classical Chinese medicine along with acupuncture, diet, herbs, massage and meditation.
“The central idea of Chinese medicine is the understanding that all essential functions of body/mind/spirit are reflections of the harmony and balance of the vital life energy known since ancient times as ‘chi.’” This vital life energy can be modified, enhanced and balanced externally by acupuncture and internally, by an individual’s own actions, such as the practice of T’ai Chi Chuan, Dr. Kanter said. “An accumulation of chi can be added to the ‘storehouse of energy’ through the breathing patterns associated with the regular practice of T’ai Chi.”
Benefits Dr. Kanter cited deriving from the “slow, continuous movements of the body in space and an expanding capacity for self observation” are relaxation of muscle tension (“deep and continuing”) and regulation of breathing patterns. The calming effect works on the mind and promotes wellness. Dr. Kanter emphasizes that these are the essential elements that are necessary for dealing with what he considers an epidemic of stress induced illness and dysfunctional behavior. Other benefits are that the joints become more flexible and legs are strengthened, Dr. Kanter explained. “Balance and stability are greatly improved, so that we become more secure in our movements, something quite vital as we age.”
In recent years, a vast amount of research has accumulated attesting to the many health benefits of practicing T’ai Chi. Often mentioned are the beneficial effects on heart and circulatory problems; arthritic conditions; high blood pressure; mental sharpness and loss of balance in aging. But more than anything, the affect of the processes of stress and the multitude of health problems caused by stress and benefited by T’ai Chi is most profound.
The Kaua’i School of T’ai Chi Chuan will soon offer an expanded program to present various health and wellness trainings with a primary focus on powerfully effective ways to manage stress without becoming dependent on drugs that often have debilitating side effects. Public presentations on the nature of Chinese medicine are also planned. For information, interested individuals may call 828-1139. The entire 12-class series costs $140, less than $15 per session.
